At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young person with complex needs to build independence and confidence.
- Company: SDR Care, a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Earn £13.85-£14.75 per hour, enjoy 29 days holiday, and receive paid training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with career progression opportunities and a focus on kindness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while enjoying creative and fun activities.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism or complex needs; calm, patient, and resilient individuals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13.85 - 14.75 £ per hour.
At SDR Care, we are supporting a young person with autism, a learning disability, ADHD, and complex behavioural needs to build independence, confidence, and positive daily experiences in a brand‑new home. This is a highly person‑centred role where consistency, structure, and calm, reliable support are essential from day one. You will need experience supporting individuals who may present with dysregulated behaviours, which can include periods of heightened distress or aggression, and you will be expected to respond using calm, safe, and person‑centred approaches at all times. This is not a routine "tick‑box" care role – it is about building trust, creating stability, and helping someone feel safe enough to thrive in their new environment. You will be part of a small, consistent team where calmness, patience, humour, and creativity are valued every day in how support is delivered. At SDR Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility – and as a Support Worker, you will model and embed these values across your team and service.
What the Role Involves
You will support a young individual to enjoy a full, meaningful and active life, including:
- Cinema trips and sensory‑friendly activities
- Beach walks, forest walks, climbing and outdoor play
- Building large creative projects (e.g. K'NEX structures)
- Theme parks, rollercoasters, and community outings
- Structured, sensory‑aware travel and car journeys
Every day is shaped around what matters to the individual – and how you can help them succeed!
Available Roles
- Support Worker £13.85 per hour 37.5 hours per week (Days) / 35.88 hours per week (Nights – rolling rota) Full UK driving licence preferred (Days – community access required)
- Senior Support Worker £14.75 per hour 36.25 hours per week (Days) Full UK driving licence preferred (held 1+ year – community access required) Senior role requires previous experience in a senior or leadership support position.
Support Worker Responsibilities
- Provide person‑centred daily support
- Support routines, activities, and life skills
- Promote independence and emotional wellbeing
- Support positive behaviour and structured days
- Assist with community access and outings
- Work as part of a consistent team
- Follow care plans and maintain accurate records
Senior Support Worker Responsibilities
- Lead and support staff within a 3:1 support setting
- Provide hands‑on, consistent support
- Mentor and guide Support Workers
- Deliver Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches
- Support community access and activities
- Help shape routines, structure, and service development
- Ensure high‑quality, consistent care delivery
- Respond calmly to complex and challenging behaviour
Who We're Looking For
- Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient
- Experienced in autism, learning disabilities, or complex needs
- Confident using Positive Behaviour Support approaches
- Strong communicators and reliable team players
- Creative, flexible, and positive in their approach
- Confident and safe drivers (essential for day roles)
What We Offer
- £13.85-£14.75 per hour
- 29 days holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays)
- Paid training and structured induction
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Pension scheme (eligibility applies)
- Life insurance (post‑probation)
- Company sick pay (post‑probation)
- Employee referral bonus (£200 + £300 after 1 year)
- Supportive management team
Important Information
These roles are not eligible for employer sponsorship. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. Enhanced DBS check required following offer.
Apply Today
Email: careers@sdrgroup.co.uk
Call: 07484 482896 – No CV required – get in touch today. Closing date: 6th July. Early applications are encouraged as we may close the vacancy sooner if suitable candidates are found.
Support Worker & Senior Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne employer: South Downs Residential Group Limited
At SDR Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team is at the heart of our mission to empower individuals with complex needs, and we offer comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a culture that values kindness, dignity, and respect. Located in Eastbourne, our new service provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere where creativity and calmness are celebrated every day.
Contact Details:
South Downs Residential Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker & Senior Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at South Downs Residential Group Limited.
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker & Senior Support Worker (New Service) | Complex Needs | Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to South Downs Residential Group Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South Downs Residential Group Limited! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Downs Residential Group Limited
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
